Mike Fransoso (2) of the University of Maine enjoys a light moment with teammates prior to last Saturday's game against UMBC in Orono. The senior co-captain is among the program's all-time leaders in several categories.

Pete Warner | BDN

Pete Warner | BDN

University of Maine senior co-captain Mike Fransoso (second right) poses with his parents (from left) Rick and Patti, along with Black Bears coach Steve Trimper, prior to last Saturday's game in Orono.

Pete Warner | BDN

Pete Warner | BDN

Mike Fransoso of the UMaine baseball team plays catch with teammate Alex Calbick (not pictured) last Saturday at Mahaney Diamond in Orono.

Pete Warner | BDN

Pete Warner | BDN

UMaine senior shortstop Mike Fransoso takes a practice swing before stepping to the plate during "Senior Day" last Saturday at Mahaney Diamond in Orono. The co-captain has been a four-year starter for the Black Bears.

Pete Warner | BDN

Pete Warner | BDN

Mike Fransoso of the University of Maine baseball team stretches his troublesome right hip prior to his final home game last Saturday at Mahaney Diamond in Orono.

Despite suffering significant injuries, Fransoso will go down as one of the best shortstops in UMaine history. His slick fielding has been compared to that of former UMaine star Mike Bordick of Winterport, who enjoyed a lengthy career in the major leagues.

“I don’t think Mike can appreciate this yet, but he has stats that mimic some of the greatest players in Maine baseball history,” said UMaine head coach Steve Trimper.

Fransoso is the school’s career leader with 73 stolen bases, including 19 this season. He accomplished the feat despite undergoing three surgeries, two on his right hip and another for a sports hernia.

“Look at all the injuries, look at all the things that could have kept him out, and he still breaks the record,” said junior teammate Mike Connolly. “He could have broken more records. He played over adversity; that’s the biggest thing.”

Fransoso is No. 2 at UMaine with 64 career doubles, two behind All-American Mark Sweeney (1988-91) and in runs scored (200). He ranks fifth in hits with 263.

Fransoso has paced this year’s 34-20 ballclub. He ranks second on the team and third in the league with a career-high .356 batting average and leads America East in runs batted in (45), runs scored (41) and total bases (97).

He also ranks second in stolen bases (19 in 23 attempts) and fourth in doubles (16).

Small, but mighty

Fransoso wasn’t considered a Division I recruit by most. He spent his first two years of high school competing at 5-foot-6, 120 pounds. He also played basketball, hockey and football.

“I was just a little, tiny guy,” said Fransoso, who is now 5-11 ½, 175 pounds.

Former UMaine assistant Jared Holowaty saw him play and liked his intensity, so Trimper went to watch Fransoso play American Legion ball.

“Rick [who was coaching] called a suicide squeeze and Mike missed it [the bunt] and there was an out,” Trimper recalled. “One or two pitches later, boom, he hits a home run and comes sprinting around the bases. I’m like, that kid’s a gamer.”

Scholarship in hand, Fransoso arrived at UMaine in the fall of 2009. He earned a starting spot at second base, where he had never played before, and earned a spot on the America East All-Rookie Team.

Injury woes abound

Fransoso made the transition back to shortstop in 2010, but encountered health issues. A sore hip and a subsequent tearing sensation in his lower abdomen led to the diagnosis of a torn labrum in his right hip.

Undaunted, he was determined to shorten his recovery and rehabilitation time.

“I was doing two-a-day rehab, trying to get back as quick as possible,” he explained.

“I knew there was no way I could sit out a full season and watch these guys play,” he added.

He got back on the field in March 2011, in Florida. He overcame a slow start caused by the extensive layoff, but eventually earned All-America East second-team recognition. He was an all-tourney pick and was named to the NCAA Chapel Hill All-Regional Team for the conference champions.

“Injuries come to all players and some people can give up, or take a step backwards,” Trimper said. “He always uses them as motivation to get better.”

That summer (2011), while playing at Old Orchard Beach, it was discovered he had been dealing with a sports hernia. It had occurred when he felt the ripping sensation the previous fall during weight training.

Fransoso’s resolve was tested again with another surgery. With support from teammate Nick Bernardo, he learned to put his injury woes in proper perspective through his Christian faith.

“I saw the man that he was and he was an awesome friend,” said Fransoso, who also credited Garrett Bernardo, Nick’s brother, with being a key influence. “I started going to church a lot more with him and a few of the guys. It was an awesome experience and my faith just grew tremendously.”

No holes in his game

Fransoso has excelled in every aspect of the game at UMaine. He has been productive no matter where he batted in the lineup (he’s a .325 career hitter) and has demonstrated the ability to steal bases, even through injuries.

“He’s not the fastest kid out there, but he works hard and does his best for the team,” Connolly said.

In the field, Fransoso has outstanding range, a strong arm and the ability to think the game. Junior Troy Black, the second baseman the last three seasons, marvels at his teammate.

“Playing with him’s the most fun I’ve ever had,” Black said. “I have the most confidence that he’s going to get his stuff done and everything just works together.”

Fransoso credits some of his skills to his father’s subtle efforts to groom his skills. Rick Fransoso is an accomplished racquetball player who often took Mike to the courts.

“I look back and think that’s why my hands and feet are so good out in the field, because it’s such a good thing for hand-eye [coordination] and quickness,” Mike said.

Setting the standard

Fransoso prefers to let his preparation and play do the talking in his role as a team co-captain.

“I think if I go out and do my job and play the game the way it’s meant to be played, people are going to follow,” he said.

“That’s kind of what you want in a captain is somebody that lets you play your game, and he plays his, but you look up to the way he plays his,” Connolly said.

Fransoso enjoyed good health during 2012, when he continued his ascent among UMaine’s all-time best by batting .327 on his way to an all-conference first-team nod.

He continued chasing his dream of playing professional ball last summer with Chatham of the Cape Cod Baseball League. Fransoso again began experiencing problems with his surgically-repaired hip and was forced to stop playing and undergo another surgery.

The labrum that was partially damaged before was now completely torn.

“I don’t think that it completely healed the first time because I came back so early,” he admitted. “That’s just my stubborness.”

One final opportunity

This time, he slowed down a bit. He did not participate in fall workouts and focused on being ready for his senior season.

Fransoso has responded with career highs in batting average (.356), RBIs (45) and stolen bases (19).

“I’m thankful and very blessed that I get to play this game every single day,” he said. “I’ve got to give all thanks and glory to God when it comes down to this, because without him I wouldn’t be here playing.”

Fransoso, a marketing major, hopes to get the chance to play pro ball. First, he and the Black Bears have some team goals they hope to achieve.

“I’m very thankful, this being my last year, that I had an awesome group of guys to play with,” Fransoso said. “Hopefully, we go out with a bang and get to the [NCAA] tournament again and see if we can make some noise.”